Super Eagles players admit that today’s game against South Africa in Bloemfontein is the biggest challenge on their quest to return to the FIFA World Cup after missing the last edition in Qatar.
Four years ago, Nigeria lost the ticket to the 2022 World Cup to Ghana on goal difference after finishing their last qualifying games goalless in Cape Coast and 1-1 in Abuja. That miss was Nigeria’s second absence in the Mundial following their inability to win a Group 4 that featured Algeria, Angola, Gabon, Nigeria, Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the run up to the 2006 edition.
Angola beat Nigeria to the Germany 2006 ticket on goal difference.
The battle today looks similar to what transpired in 2005 as the Super Eagles are trying to claw back following the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) mismanagement of the campaign.
Nigeria sits in third position with 10 points in Group C of the current campaign, behind South Africa (first with 16 points) and the Benin Republic (11 points).
To restore any hope of being at the 2026 World Cup to be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the Super Eagles must beat South Africa and win their remaining two games against Lesotho and Benin Republic, while hoping that FIFA will do the right thing by deducting three points and awarding three goals against the Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible Tehobo Mokoena in their match against Lesotho earlier in the series.
The task looks daunting, but the actors in Nigeria’s camp say it is an achievable target.
Speaking ahead of the game yesterday, Super Eagles forward, Samuel Chukwueze, acknowledged that South Africa has organised team, adding, however, that Nigeria has the material to beat them, even in Bloemfontein.
Chukwueze, who expects to play a part in the game, boasted: “We are Nigerians and we don’t fear anybody.”
Praying that the environment would be conducive for good football in Bloemfontein, Chukwueze said: “We know how important it is that we win this game, and we will approach it as the final game of the campaign.
“The most important thing for us is to come here and win. We are focused on that.
“We will be at the World Cup, it’s 100 per cent sure, but we need all Nigerians’ support for it. It’s not a one-person battle; it’s a collective battle.”
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, is also optimistic that Nigeria will triumph despite the anticipated hostile South African crowd.
He said: “We have a very strong squad to match any country and I don’t see South Africa as a really big obstacle to us, but we respect them.”
The South Africa-based goalkeeper, who said that the Bafana Bafana must be doing something right to sit on top of the group, is convinced of the ability of the Super Eagles to prevail in the game.
“People are judging us by the game against Rwanda, but as you know, every game has its own plan. You might be watching them against Zimbabwe, Rwanda and some other teams, but when it comes to Nigeria, it’s a different approach.
“Any country that comes to play against Nigeria come with it’s A game because they know what a win against us will do for their reputation. Believe me, I’m sure we are going to win the game.”
